I would have to agree with LRP that a steamer is the best way to go even though it is messy. But then any wallpaper removal is messy. Make sure your floors are well protected. If you don't use a steamer, it also helps to use fabric softener in the water. It seems to break it down easier. The tool to use that Dakota suggested is called a "paper tiger".

I would be worried that the vinyl wallpaper in the kitchen would not have good adhesion if it is on top of multiple layers like the rest of the wallpaper. I understand with a high hide primer it can be painted over, but again, you would have to be sure it was well stuck up there with no open seams or little tears etc.

HOT WATER HOT WATER HOT WATER -- take a sponge and put it in hot water as hot as you can stand it -- then press it onto the wall -- go to the next spot - do it again - after you go to the next spot go back to the first and it will start to peel off nicely. You can try a steamer but I find that when people use steamers they end up with gouges in the wall because it comes off in pieces and they're trying to scrape it off -- don't use anything harsh to remove it -- use a plastic scraper if you can for the stickier parts - but with time and patience it will all come off - just keep sponging it with hot water to loosen it.

I bought a 101 year old house and it has multiple layers of wallpaper that the previous owners painted over. It is buckling in certain spots where the wall meet the ceiling. The wallpaper is on all walls and ceilings just to let you know. I want to paint this but I am afraid that it will start to peel off worse than it already is. I also tried to take the wallpaper off in a small area and it was hard since there are to many layers. How can I fix the areas that need fixing without the buckling getting worse and without stripping all the wallpaper.

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Faith from Philadelphia, PA

Answers:

Walls With Multiple Layers of Wallpaper

I have a 140 year old house, and chances are you have lathe & plaster and it is cracked. however STRIP THE WALLPAPER. Use a cutter that is round and runs over the paper then spray it 1 to 4 vinegar to water warmed in the microwave, let it for 30-60 minutes. When all paper is off, use mesh drywall tape to cover cracks and drywall compound, feathering out. PRIME and then paint. You will not regret it. (10/06/2006)

By Dakota

Walls With Multiple Layers of Wallpaper

My mother encountered this 50 years ago on the walls of our then-50-year-old house. Makes me wonder if people back then used wallpaper as insulation. She removed it all, one room at a time, put insulation in, and then plastered. (You might prefer drywall.) It was well worth it.

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It's easier today with wallpaper-removing chemicals and tools. Be sure to get good advice and keep the area well-ventilated, of course. You want to live to tell us about it when it's done. (10/07/2006)